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WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda is not in hospice care, rather in a rehabilitation center recovering from a massive heart attack, despite a quote in which his brother-in-law and former 'U.S. Express' tag-team partner Barry Windham unintentionally "misspoke," his daughter, Mika Rotunda, clarified in a statement shared on behalf of his family Wednesday (October 29). clarified that her father was in a rehabilitation center after suffering a massive heart attack
"Our family would like to take a moment to clarify some information currently circulating online regarding my father, Mike Rotunda," Mika wrote. "Yes, my uncle Barry did make a comment mentioning that my father is in hospice care while answering a question about our late family member, whom we lost two years ago. We want to make it clear that he misspoke—not intentionally.
"My father is not in hospice, but rather in a rehabilitation center. He suffered a massive heart attack on September 20th, was in a coma for a week, and spent over a month hospitalized. By the grace of God, he has now transitioned to a rehabilitation center, where our family remains present, hopeful, and focused on his recovery.
"It has already been a long road, and we know there is still a long road ahead—but our faith in God remains strong. Anyone who knows my dad knows that it’s his strength, work ethic, and athleticism that have carried him through not just this, but every challenge life has thrown his way. If there’s one person I have faith in, it’s Captain Mike.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the wrestling world and our local communities. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we continue walking this journey together—but we warmly welcome continued prayers, good energy, and healing thoughts for his recovery."
Multiple wrestling news websites reported that Rotunda, 67, was placed in hospice care on Tuesday (October 28). The St. Petersburg native was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside Windham as members of the U.S. Express in April 2024.
Rotunda also wrestled under several notable gimmicks including Irwin R. Schyster, aka I.R.S., a villainous tax collector in the then-World Wrestling Federation in the early 1990s and later as Michael Wallstreet, V.K. Wallstreet -- an allusion to then-WWE chairman Vince McMahon -- and Mr. Wallstreet in WCW and New Japan Pro Wrestling in the mid to late 1990s.
Rotunda is the father of late WWE superstar Bray Wyatt, whose real name was Wyndham Rotunda, and Taylor Rotunda, who wrestles under the ring names Bo Dallas and his alter ego 'Uncle Howdy' as the leader of The Wyatt Sicks faction, a concept created by and performed in tribute to his late brother, as well as the son-in-law of the late Blackjack Mulligan.